Mineral Oil & Drug Interactions

Mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum when it is made into gasoline. Since it is cheap and can be found at any drug store, mineral oil is used for many things. From lotions to cosmetics, mineral oil is omnipresent. It also can be used as a laxative, for decades used to treat constipation. While mineral oil is well tolerated, it can interfere with the absorption of medications and nutrients. This can lead to harmful drug interactions.

Function

• Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative, meaning it increases the amount of water in the stool. According to the American Cancer Society, it increases the water in stools by coating the tissue of the small intestines. This coating relieves constipation, but interferes with the absorption of medicines and vitamins.

Types

• Mineral oil can be taken orally or rectally through an enema. While mineral oil taken rectally can cause itching and burning, it doesn't affect the absorption of medications.

Drug Interactions

• According to HealthSquare.com, mineral oil interferes with the absorption of birth control pills and blood thinners. Since these drugs aren't fully absorbed by the body, they are less effective at preventing pregnancy and blood clots. Mineral oil also interferes with the absorption of other drugs and vitamins, so speak with your doctor before use.

Side Effects

• Unlike other medicines, drug interactions with mineral oil may be hard to notice. If you begin bruising or bleeding easily that may be a sign that you aren't absorbing enough vitamins A, E, D, and K or medications.

  Stool sofeners (docusate calcium, docusate potassium or docusate sodium) cause the body to absorb mineral oil, which can lead to an overdose. Symptoms of a mineral oil overdose are: abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Call your doctor and seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Prevention/Solution

• Take mineral oil on an empty stomach and don't use it for more than a week.